Irish Traditional Music
Belfast Harp Festival
- 1792 - ~Henry Joy invited harpers all across Ireland to come and play music in the hope of reviving the 'ancient music of Ireland'
- Edward Bunting (collector) employed to note down songs - this became very important as it was one of the first times that the music was written down rather than handed down from generation to generation by ear - also gave notes on tunes techniques and traditions
- Organised to keep the harping tradition alive but unfortunately marked the end of the tradition.
- Only 10 Irish harpers turned up and 1 Welshman - aged between 6-97
- Prizes = 10,18 and 6 guineas
The Collectors of Irish Traditional Music
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Edward Bunting
Played the organ. Employed in 1792 to notate the pieces played at the Belfast Harp Festival. Also wrote valuable notes and background info on the tunes. Travelled the country collecting dances, tunes and airs. Collected The Coolin. Published three volumes of The Ancient Music of Ireland in 1792, 1809 and 1840 |
George Petrie
Played the violin Travelled the country with his job in the ordnance survey office. Noted down tunes and gave them to Bunting. Founding member of The Socitey for the Preservation and Publication of Melodies of Ireland in 1851. Collected Danny Boy Published his music The Petrie Collection of the Ancient Music of Ireland 1855. |
Francis O Neill
Played flute, fiddle and pipes.
Emigrate to USA at 16
Joined the police
Made some of the first recordings of Irish music.
Notated music from his repertoire with the help of fidller James O Neill.
Published the Music of Ireland in 1903 and The Dance Music of Ireland in 1907.
This was nicknamed the book by musicians
Played flute, fiddle and pipes.
Emigrate to USA at 16
Joined the police
Made some of the first recordings of Irish music.
Notated music from his repertoire with the help of fidller James O Neill.
Published the Music of Ireland in 1903 and The Dance Music of Ireland in 1907.
This was nicknamed the book by musicians